HUNTER DWORACZYK
Taylor residents have the opportunity to fulfill the role of Santa for local families this Christmas.
Organized in a joint effort by the Taylor Fire Department and the Taylor Professional Firefighters Association, the Red Santa Program is in full swing.
The program provides gifts to children 18 years old and younger. According to Taylor Fire Department officials, around 150 children from 39 different families are expected to benefit from the donations.
Those who wish to donate items will have until Monday, Dec. 11. Donations can be dropped off at Station 1, 200 Washburn St. or Station 2, 705 NW Carlos G. Parker Blvd.
Some examples of items needed are sports balls, fun socks, board games and books.
Organizers said applications to receive the Red Santa gifts were online and ran until November.
In addition to gifts, each family who participates with the Red Santa program will have a Christmas meal provided to them. The meal includes ham, sides and dessert. Organizers said they typically get the Christmas meals from H-E-B.
Some third-party businesses or individuals have volunteered to take donations at their location, which will eventually be brought into the Red Santa fold. During Saturday’s tree lighting ceremony, Red Santa donation boxes sat at the end of the line for hot chocolate.
The boxes now reside at City Hall, a city of Taylor Facebook post said.
Taylor FD encourages people who have questions to call 512352-6992.
Taylor Fire Department participated in the Christmas Parade on Main Street Dec. 2. The city placed donation boxes at the event where Red Santa items could be placed. Photo by Hunter Dworaczyk
